Systems and methods for positioning assets over a wireless network are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises scheduling, at a scheduling entity communicatively coupled to the wireless network, a ranging time to execute a plurality of ranging events between a participating tag associated with a designated asset and selected from a plurality of tags, and each participating anchor of a plurality of participating anchors selected from the plurality of anchors; sending, from the scheduling entity, to the participating tag and to each participating anchor, a corresponding ranging message comprising the ranging time for each ranging event and a list identifying said participating tag and said each of the participating anchors; executing at the ranging time, each ranging event of the plurality of ranging events to produce a corresponding ranging information; and calculating, at a positioning engine a position of said participating tag and said designated asset.
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2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein said ranging time is defined as a time delay calculated from a pre-determined ranging cycle start time.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for determining ranging time in wireless networks. The problem addressed is the need for precise timing in wireless communications to ensure accurate distance measurements and synchronization between devices. The invention provides a method for calculating a ranging time as a time delay from a predetermined ranging cycle start time. This allows devices to synchronize their operations and measure distances accurately by referencing a common starting point. The ranging cycle start time serves as a reference, and the time delay is calculated based on this reference to determine when ranging operations should occur. This approach improves coordination between devices, reduces errors in distance measurements, and enhances overall network performance by ensuring that ranging operations are performed at consistent intervals. The method is particularly useful in applications where precise timing is critical, such as in wireless sensor networks, IoT devices, and other wireless communication systems requiring accurate distance measurements and synchronization.
3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein the participating tag and each of the participating anchors, upon receiving said corresponding ranging message from the scheduling entity, adjust the corresponding time delay by subtracting a travel time of said corresponding ranging message therefrom.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for improving timing synchronization in networks using time-of-flight (ToF) measurements. The problem addressed is the inaccuracy in distance estimation due to propagation delays in ranging messages exchanged between devices, which can degrade positioning and synchronization performance. The method involves a scheduling entity coordinating ranging operations among multiple participating devices, including at least one tag and multiple anchors. Each device adjusts its timing by accounting for the travel time of the ranging messages it receives. Specifically, when a participating tag or anchor receives a ranging message from the scheduling entity, it subtracts the message's travel time from its internal timing delay. This adjustment compensates for propagation delays, ensuring more accurate distance calculations between devices. The method improves synchronization by dynamically correcting for signal propagation effects, which is critical in applications like indoor positioning, asset tracking, and wireless sensor networks where precise timing is essential. The approach reduces errors in distance estimation, leading to better localization accuracy and network coordination.
4. The computer-implemented method of claim 3, wherein said travel time is an accumulated processing time accounting for the processing of said corresponding ranging message by a plurality of network devices communicatively coupled to said wireless network through which the corresponding ranging message transited before reaching the participating tag or each of the participating anchors which receives it.
This invention relates to wireless network systems, specifically methods for determining travel time of ranging messages in a wireless network. The problem addressed is accurately measuring the time taken for a ranging message to travel through multiple network devices before reaching a participating tag or anchor, which is critical for precise location tracking and synchronization in wireless networks. The method involves calculating an accumulated processing time for a ranging message as it transits through a plurality of network devices communicatively coupled to the wireless network. Each network device processes the ranging message, and the total travel time is determined by summing the individual processing times at each device. This accumulated processing time accounts for delays introduced by intermediate network devices, ensuring accurate time-of-flight measurements for location determination. The method is part of a broader system where a ranging message is transmitted by a tag or anchor and received by one or more participating anchors or tags. The accumulated processing time is used to adjust the measured travel time, compensating for network device processing delays and improving the accuracy of distance calculations between devices. This is particularly useful in wireless networks where precise timing is essential, such as in indoor positioning, asset tracking, and synchronization applications. The invention ensures that network-induced delays do not degrade the accuracy of location or timing measurements.
5. The computer-implemented method of claim 2, wherein each ranging event of the plurality of ranging events has a distinct ranging time.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for performing ranging events between devices to determine their relative positions. The problem addressed is the need for precise and efficient distance measurements in wireless networks, particularly in scenarios where multiple ranging events occur simultaneously or in close succession. Traditional methods may suffer from interference or inaccuracies when ranging events overlap or lack distinct timing, leading to unreliable distance calculations. The invention describes a computer-implemented method for conducting multiple ranging events between wireless devices, where each ranging event is assigned a distinct ranging time to avoid overlap and ensure accurate distance measurements. The method involves initiating a plurality of ranging events between at least two devices, such as a first device and a second device, where each event is scheduled at a unique time to prevent interference. The ranging events may involve transmitting signals, such as radio frequency (RF) signals, between the devices and measuring the time of flight or signal propagation delay to calculate the distance between them. By ensuring each ranging event has a distinct timing, the method improves the reliability and precision of the distance measurements, reducing errors caused by signal collisions or overlapping events. This approach is particularly useful in applications like indoor positioning, asset tracking, and wireless sensor networks where accurate spatial information is critical. The method may also include processing the measured distances to refine position estimates or detect anomalies in the ranging data.
6. The computer-implemented method of claim 5, wherein each of said distinct ranging times are separated by an offset ranging delay equal or greater to an amount of time required to run a ranging event.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for managing ranging events in time-division multiple access (TDMA) networks. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently schedule multiple ranging events to avoid collisions and ensure reliable communication between devices and a base station. The method involves determining distinct ranging times for multiple devices within a network. Each ranging time is separated by an offset ranging delay that is equal to or greater than the time required to complete a single ranging event. This ensures that overlapping transmissions do not occur, preventing interference and improving signal integrity. The ranging events may include initial ranging, periodic ranging, or bandwidth request ranging, depending on the network requirements. The method dynamically adjusts the offset delay based on the duration of each ranging event, optimizing the scheduling process. By spacing the ranging events appropriately, the system ensures that each device has sufficient time to transmit and receive data without interference from other devices. This approach enhances network efficiency and reliability in TDMA-based communication systems.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein said ranging time is defined as a time delay calculated from a pre-determined ranging cycle start time.
A system for wireless communication includes a device configured to determine a ranging time as a time delay from a pre-determined ranging cycle start time. The system enables precise timing synchronization between devices in a network, addressing challenges in maintaining accurate time alignment for ranging operations. The ranging time is calculated based on a defined cycle start time, ensuring consistent and predictable timing for distance measurements or signal propagation assessments. This approach improves reliability in applications such as indoor positioning, asset tracking, or wireless sensor networks where synchronized time references are critical. The system may include multiple devices, each capable of adjusting their operations based on the calculated ranging time to maintain synchronization. The pre-determined ranging cycle start time serves as a reference point, allowing devices to coordinate their activities without continuous communication, reducing overhead and power consumption. This method enhances efficiency in time-sensitive wireless applications by standardizing the timing framework across the network.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the participating tag and each of the participating anchors, upon receiving said corresponding ranging message from the scheduling entity, adjust the corresponding time delay by subtracting a travel time of said corresponding ranging message therefrom.
The system involves a wireless positioning network designed to improve location accuracy by synchronizing multiple devices. The network includes a scheduling entity, multiple anchor nodes, and at least one tag device. The scheduling entity coordinates ranging operations by transmitting scheduling messages to the anchors and the tag, instructing them to exchange ranging messages to measure distances between them. Each anchor and the tag adjust their timing by accounting for the travel time of the ranging messages, ensuring precise synchronization. This adjustment compensates for signal propagation delays, reducing errors in distance measurements. The system enhances positioning accuracy by dynamically synchronizing the devices and compensating for signal delays, addressing challenges in wireless localization where timing inaccuracies degrade performance. The anchors and tag modify their internal timing delays based on the measured travel time of the ranging messages, ensuring all devices operate in a synchronized manner. This method improves the reliability of distance measurements in environments where signal propagation delays vary, such as in indoor or urban settings. The system is particularly useful for applications requiring high-precision positioning, such as asset tracking, navigation, and autonomous systems.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein said travel time is an accumulated processing time accounting for the processing of said corresponding ranging message by a plurality of network devices communicatively coupled to said wireless network through which the corresponding ranging message transited before reaching the participating tag or each of the participating anchors which receives it.
The system relates to wireless network localization, specifically improving the accuracy of position determination for devices within a network by accounting for message propagation delays. The problem addressed is the inaccuracy in determining the position of a wireless tag or anchor due to unaccounted processing delays in network devices that relay ranging messages. These delays, if ignored, introduce errors in distance calculations, degrading localization precision. The system includes a wireless network with multiple anchors and at least one tag, where ranging messages are exchanged to estimate distances. The key improvement involves calculating travel time as an accumulated processing time, which accounts for the delays incurred as the ranging message passes through intermediate network devices before reaching the tag or anchors. These intermediate devices may include routers, switches, or other network infrastructure that process the message, adding latency. By summing these individual processing delays, the system provides a more accurate representation of the total time taken for the message to traverse the network. This accumulated processing time is then used to refine distance measurements, improving the overall accuracy of the tag's or anchors' position estimates. The approach ensures that network-induced delays do not skew localization results, particularly in complex or congested network environments.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein each ranging event of the plurality of ranging events has a distinct ranging time.
This invention relates to a wireless communication system that performs multiple ranging events to determine the distance between devices. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and reliable distance measurements in wireless networks, particularly in environments where interference or multipath effects can degrade signal quality. The system uses a plurality of ranging events to improve measurement accuracy, with each ranging event occurring at a distinct time to avoid interference and ensure independent measurements. The ranging events may involve transmitting and receiving signals between devices, such as in a wireless local area network (WLAN) or other radio frequency (RF) communication system. By analyzing the time differences between transmitted and received signals in each ranging event, the system calculates the distance between devices. The distinct timing of each ranging event helps mitigate errors caused by signal reflections or other environmental factors, leading to more precise distance estimates. The system may be used in applications such as indoor positioning, asset tracking, or device localization, where accurate distance measurements are critical. The invention improves upon prior art by using multiple, time-diverse ranging events to enhance measurement reliability and reduce errors.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein each of said distinct ranging times are separated by an offset ranging delay equal or greater to an amount of time required to run a ranging event.
A system for wireless communication involves determining the distance between devices using radio signals. The problem addressed is the need for accurate and efficient distance measurement in wireless networks, particularly in environments where multiple devices must coordinate ranging operations without interference. The system includes a plurality of devices configured to perform ranging events, where each device transmits and receives signals to measure distances to other devices. To avoid collisions and ensure reliable measurements, the system assigns distinct ranging times to each device, with each ranging time separated by an offset ranging delay. This delay is set to be equal to or greater than the time required to complete a single ranging event, ensuring that overlapping transmissions do not disrupt measurements. The system may also include mechanisms for synchronizing the devices and dynamically adjusting the ranging times based on network conditions. The invention improves the accuracy and efficiency of distance measurements in wireless networks by preventing signal interference during ranging operations.
16. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one device of said plurality of tags and said plurality of anchors is changeably configurable to act as either a tag or as an anchor based on a trigger.
This invention relates to a configurable positioning system for determining the location of objects in a defined space. The system addresses the challenge of adaptability in positioning networks, where traditional setups require fixed roles for devices, limiting flexibility in dynamic environments. The system includes a plurality of tags and a plurality of anchors, where each device can dynamically switch between acting as a tag or an anchor based on a trigger. Tags are typically mobile devices whose positions are determined, while anchors are fixed reference points that assist in localization. The trigger for reconfiguration can be an external signal, a predefined condition, or a user command, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements. For example, if an anchor fails or a new reference point is needed, a tag can be reconfigured to act as an anchor, ensuring continuous and accurate positioning. The system may use wireless signals, such as radio frequency or ultrasound, to measure distances and calculate positions. The reconfigurable nature of the devices enhances scalability and reliability, making the system suitable for applications like industrial tracking, asset management, and indoor navigation.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein said trigger is received by the at least one device via the wireless network.
A system for wireless communication includes a trigger mechanism that activates a device or function within a network. The trigger is received by at least one device via a wireless network, enabling remote or automated control of the device. The system may include multiple devices interconnected through the wireless network, where the trigger initiates a specific action or response from one or more devices. The trigger can be generated by an external source, such as a user input, a sensor, or another device within the network. The system ensures reliable communication and coordination between devices, allowing for seamless operation in response to the trigger. This technology addresses the need for efficient and responsive wireless control in networked environments, improving automation and remote management capabilities. The system may also include error handling and confirmation mechanisms to ensure the trigger is properly received and processed.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein said ranging time is defined as a time delay calculated from a pre-determined ranging cycle start time.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for determining ranging time in wireless networks to improve synchronization and reduce interference. The problem addressed is the need for precise timing in wireless networks to ensure reliable communication between devices, particularly in scenarios where multiple devices must coordinate their transmissions to avoid collisions and maintain efficient data transfer. The invention involves a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform a method for calculating a ranging time in a wireless network. The ranging time is defined as a time delay measured from a predetermined ranging cycle start time. This allows devices in the network to synchronize their transmissions based on a fixed reference point, ensuring that all devices adhere to a common timing framework. The method may also involve determining the ranging cycle start time based on network conditions, such as signal propagation delays or device scheduling requirements, to optimize performance. Additionally, the invention may include steps for adjusting the ranging time dynamically to account for changes in network conditions, such as varying signal strengths or interference levels. This dynamic adjustment helps maintain synchronization even as network conditions fluctuate, ensuring consistent and reliable communication. The method may also involve transmitting synchronization signals to other devices in the network to coordinate their timing, further enhancing network efficiency. The overall goal is to provide a robust and adaptable timing mechanism for wireless networks, improving synchronization and reducing interference.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein each ranging event of the plurality of ranging events has a distinct ranging time.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically to methods for improving ranging accuracy in wireless networks. The problem addressed is the need for precise distance measurements between devices in wireless networks, such as those using ultra-wideband (UWB) or other short-range communication technologies. Existing systems often suffer from inaccuracies due to overlapping or poorly timed ranging events, leading to unreliable distance estimates. The invention describes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions for performing ranging operations between devices. The method involves executing a plurality of ranging events, where each event is assigned a distinct ranging time to prevent overlap and interference. This ensures that each measurement is taken independently, improving the accuracy of distance calculations. The system may also include synchronization mechanisms to coordinate the timing of these events across multiple devices, further enhancing precision. The invention may be applied in applications such as indoor positioning, asset tracking, or device localization, where precise distance measurements are critical. By assigning unique timing to each ranging event, the system avoids signal collisions and reduces errors in distance estimation.
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December 23, 2021
May 28, 2024
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